The Department of Tourism (DOT) will pay for the transfer of the 40-foot bronze statue of Datu Lapu-Lapu from the Rizal Park in Manila to Cebu.
Regional tourism director Rowena Montecillo said she already received a directive from the DOT central office informing her of the approval of Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Paz Radaza’s request to relocate the statue of the country’s first national hero to the province.
“Mayor Radaza said they will initially place the statue near Hoops Dome where there is an existing museum. The statue should complement tourism activities that they have planned in that area,” Montecillo said.
Radaza earlier said the transfer would put the statue in its “rightful place” with Datu Lapu-Lapu being the hero of Mactan.
Montecillo said the transfer is expected to be done within the year.
Radaza said the statue will be transferred to a two-hectare reclaimed land at the tip of barangay Punta Engaño in time for the 500th year anniversary of the Battle of Mactan next year.
“It will add more attraction for Mactan and will strengthen that historical part of its tourism package. I think that will be really helpful,” she said.
Montecillo said she still doesn’t know how much the agency will spend to transport the statue.
“I’m still not privy to that information but yes, the Secretary (Ramon Jimenez Jr.) already approved and committed to shoulder the expenses. We are waiting for the communication on its transfer details,” Montecillo said.
Rep. Raul Del Mar of Cebu City’s north district opposed the transfer of the Lapu-Lapu statue from Rizal Park, saying the removal of Datu Lapu-Lapu’s statue from Luneta would only detract from Lapu-Lapu’s status as a national hero alongside Dr. Jose Rizal.
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